In most cases, abdominal palpation yields useful information; in some cases, it is crucial. Begin by gently placing your warm hand on the epigastric area and let your hand relax. (This approach ...

It’s a typical Friday afternoon: you’re busy with work, family, and a long to-do list, and you notice discomfort in your abdomen; you might think it’s just stress or something you ate, hoping it will ...

An abdominal mass is a growth or swelling in a part of your abdomen. An abdominal mass can have many causes that range from harmless to life-threatening. Some abdominal masses are found during routine ...

Hernias can make you feel bloated and gassy, like there’s pressure in your abdomen that can only be relieved by burping or passing gas. Hernias happen when fatty tissue or parts of an organ squeeze ...

Note the location, quality, radiation, severity, and timing of the discomfort: Right upper quadrant discomfort suggests cholecystitis (check the Murphy sign), hepatitis, passive congestion, or ...